Key takeaways
Cholestyramine (Prevalite) and dicyclomine (Bentyl) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Cholestyramine is a bile acid sequestrant used to lower cholesterol and treat itching caused by bile duct blockage. It comes in a powder form that you mix with a liquid before taking. On the other hand, dicyclomine is an anticholinergic medication used to treat muscle spasms in the stomach and intestines for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Dicyclomine is available in tablets, capsules, and liquid forms, and it is taken four times a day. While cholestyramine can cause constipation and stomach discomfort, dicyclomine commonly causes dizziness, dry mouth, and blurry vision. Additionally, dicyclomine can affect your ability to think and react, so you should avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Cholestyramine requires careful timing with other medications to avoid absorption issues, whereas dicyclomine has specific contraindications, such as not being suitable for people with certain gut problems or those who are breastfeeding.
